Rodeo rider recovering in hospital

Paramedics are crediting protective body armour with saving the life of a rodeo rider who fell from a bucking bull and then was stomped on by the 800 kg animal.

A rodeo rider is recovering in hospital after he was stomped on by a bull during competition at the Calgary Stampede.

Aaron Roy, from Yellow Grass, Saskatchewan, lost his grip and was bucked off just as his ride began.

The 800 kg animal came right now on him, stepping on his thigh, when the 26-year-old rodeo rider was on the ground.

Doctors were initially worried that Roy had his back broken.

Roy was taken on a stretcher out of the infield and he was rushed to hospital soon after.

He underwent surgery on Thursday night but caregivers say he is recovering.

Stampede officials say Roy was awake, talking, and could move his feet and toes the entire time he was in the hospital..

Jason Davidson, a family friend, said that Roy is recovering at the Foothills Hospital with family and friends at his side.

"They were really happy he is able to move his feet. He was conscious through the whole accident. He's going to be held at Foothills for another two days," he said.

A specialist will be reviewing his x-rays sometime on Friday to determine the extent of his injuries.

Bullriders wear specially-designed body armour to protect them from impacts, but officials say that this vest had no chance of mitigating his injuries.

Roy, known as one of Canada's top bull riders, is unlikely to be returning to the rodeo anytime soon.